Which Fitness Tracker Under $100 Is Best for Meeting Health Goals?

February 5, 2025
Which Fitness Tracker Under $100 Is Best for Meeting Health Goals?

Wearable technology, specifically fitness trackers, have surged in popularity over recent years due to their capability to monitor various health metrics and assist users in achieving their fitness goals. The influx of countless models on the market makes selecting the right fitness tracker a daunting task, especially with the wide variety of features on offer. Brands like Fitbit and Apple dominate the market with multiple models, including smartwatches, smart rings, and chest straps that monitor heart rate. This article focuses on fitness trackers under $100 that are still capable of delivering reliable performance based on user reviews.

The specific fitness trackers discussed are evaluated based on their ability to meet users’ goals like measuring skin temperature, offering GPS capabilities, and tracking numerous health metrics. While high-end devices like the Apple Watch Series 10 and Fitbit Charge 6 can be prohibitively expensive, there are several affordable options that are effective. The article examines six fitness trackers under $100 for their features, performance, and user reviews from reputable sources like SlashGear, Business Insider, GearLab, Tom’s Guide, Popular Science, and Amazon.

Evaluating Affordable Fitness Trackers

Key Features and Metrics

When selecting a fitness tracker, it’s crucial to focus on the key features and metrics that align with your health goals, especially considering budget constraints. Fitness trackers under $100 should provide essential health metrics, good battery life, and a range of basic to advanced features, though it’s important to note that these budget-friendly options typically lack some of the more advanced functionalities found in premium models. For example, the Fitbit Inspire 3, a high-rated fitness tracker under $100, is praised for its comprehensive health metrics including heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and skin temperature.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 also incorporates several useful features like irregular heart rhythm alerts, movement reminders, text and call notifications, menstrual health tracking, and a SmartWake alarm. These capabilities ensure that users can stay on top of their health with actionable data. Despite the absence of an integrated GPS and the requirement of a proprietary charger, its simplicity and affordability make it an ideal choice for beginners, as affirmed by critics like Business Insider. Additionally, its price, which hovers around $94 to $99.95 on Amazon, strikes a balanced mix of essential features and cost.

User Reviews and Expert Evaluations

In a market flooded with options, user reviews and expert evaluations are invaluable for assessing the reliability and functionality of fitness trackers. Take the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, for instance. This affordable tracker consistently impresses with its performance, securing a near-perfect score for its budget-friendly price. It tracks heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and over 150 different exercises, providing a robust set of features for its cost. Despite the absence of ECG and blood pressure monitoring, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9’s readable 1.62-inch AMOLED display and customizable band design, compatible with both Android and iPhone, make it versatile enough to suit a wide range of users.

Another noteworthy option is the Amazfit Bip 5, which is commended for its striking resemblance to the Apple Watch. It boasts a 1.9-inch display and a battery life that can last up to 10 days, or a month when using battery saver mode. The Amazfit Bip 5 tracks an extensive range of health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, stress, and supports over 120 sports and exercises. Furthermore, this fitness tracker can integrate with third-party apps like Strava and Google Fit, store music, and even supports Bluetooth calls with Amazon Alexa. While Tom’s Guide praises its value, it does mention the imperfections in sleep tracking and the subscription costs linked to comprehensive health reports via the Zepp app.

Top Affordable Fitness Trackers

Fitbit Inspire 3

Ranking as the third overall on SlashGear’s list of Fitbit models, the Fitbit Inspire 3 stands as one of the most highly-rated fitness trackers under $100. With a narrow band design and a rectangular touchscreen, this tracker can last up to 10 days on a single charge. The Fitbit Inspire 3 includes several important health features such as irregular heart rhythm alerts, movement reminders, text and call notifications, menstrual health tracking, and a SmartWake alarm. These comprehensive features make it an attractive choice for those new to fitness tracking.

Despite its simplicity and affordability, which critics at Business Insider have highlighted as beneficial for beginners, there are some noted drawbacks. The lack of integrated GPS can be a limitation for those needing precise location tracking during workouts. Additionally, the proprietary charger can be less convenient compared to standard charging options. Nevertheless, the Inspire 3’s price point, ranging from $94 to $99.95 on Amazon, makes it a compelling option for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Acknowledged for its outstanding performance and budget-friendly price, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is another top-tier option. This fitness tracker features a 1.62-inch AMOLED display that is both large and readable. It is capable of tracking key metrics such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and offers tracking for over 150 exercises. This makes it a versatile choice for users with varying fitness needs. However, it should be noted that the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 does not include ECG and blood pressure monitoring, which can be a limitation for those requiring more detailed health data.

The customizable band design adds an element of personal style to the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, and its compatibility with both Android and iPhone enhances its usability. Interestingly, it can be worn as a necklace or attached to a shoe, providing alternative ways to ensure users don’t miss out on tracking their movements. Despite the proprietary charger and the absence of built-in GPS capabilities, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 remains a cost-effective option at $47 on Amazon, offering a comprehensive range of features for its price.

Amazfit Bip 5

The Amazfit Bip 5 is lauded for its sleek design and functional resemblance to the Apple Watch, making it an attractive option for those looking for style and substance on a budget. This fitness tracker features a 1.9-inch display and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 days, or up to a month when using battery saver mode. The Amazfit Bip 5 tracks a comprehensive range of health metrics including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, and stress, alongside support for over 120 sports and exercises.

It also has the capability to integrate with third-party apps like Strava and Google Fit, which enhances its functionality for more serious fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, the Amazfit Bip 5 can store music and supports Bluetooth calls facilitated by Amazon Alexa, further broadening its usability. Despite these strengths, some users and reviewers, including Tom’s Guide, have pointed out imperfections in sleep tracking and the added subscription costs for accessing full health reports through the Zepp app. Nonetheless, priced at $90 for black and pink models, and $75 for the white model on Amazon, the Amazfit Bip 5 offers a compelling blend of style, feature set, and affordability.

Additional Budget-Friendly Fitness Trackers

Affordable fitness trackers are an invaluable tool for those who want to keep track of their fitness goals without the steep price tag typically associated with high-end models. While they may lack some advanced features, budget-friendly trackers still manage to provide essential functionalities that suffice for most users. The Galaxy Fit3 and Amazfit Band 7 are perfect examples of such balanced offerings.

Galaxy Fit3

Samsung’s Galaxy Fit3 strikes a noteworthy balance between a traditional fitness band and a smartwatch, offering an array of useful sensors like an accelerometer, optical heart rate monitor, light sensor, gyroscope, and barometer. This fitness tracker is equipped to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and offers an impressive 101 workout modes. The comprehensive health assessments are compatible with the Samsung Health app, making it easier for users to stay on top of their fitness routines.

Although the Galaxy Fit3 is appreciated for its design and features, it is not without its drawbacks. Users have reported a shorter battery life than expected and a more limited feature set compared to higher-end models. However, the Galaxy Fit3 remains a versatile and accessible option for many, priced between $50 and $60 on Amazon, with variations based on the color (black, pink gold, and silver).

Amazfit Band 7

Praised for its affordability and extended functionality, the Amazfit Band 7 offers an impressive battery life that lasts between 12 to 18 days on a single charge. This fitness tracker stands out for providing 120 sport and exercise modes, in addition to VO2 Max calculations, sleep tracking, and menstrual cycle monitoring. Despite missing advanced features like an altimeter, diet tracking, and integrated GPS, the Amazfit Band 7 remains a strong contender for those seeking an economical fitness tracker.

Integration with Amazon Alexa enhances its capability, making it easier for users to control the tracker via voice commands. Health analytics are managed through the Zepp app, ensuring comprehensive insights into the user’s wellness. The Amazfit Band 7 is available at a price point of $49.99, though it is often on sale for around $44 on Amazon, making it an effective and economical choice for many users.

Sanorum Smartwatch

The Sanorum Smartwatch, priced at $50 but often available for $30 to $40 due to discounts, is one of the most budget-friendly fitness trackers available. With compatibility for both iOS and Android, it caters to a wide audience. This smartwatch tracks essential health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, menstrual cycles, and sleep. Additionally, it features over 120 exercise modes, making it suitable for various fitness enthusiasts.

Despite its affordability and extensive features, some users have reported issues with the accuracy of step tracking and occasional interference from sweat. These aspects should be taken into account when selecting the right fitness tracker for your needs. Nevertheless, the Sanorum Smartwatch comes in various colors and remains a favored choice for those seeking an effective but inexpensive fitness tracker.

In conclusion, while budget-friendly fitness trackers may lack some advanced features of their high-end counterparts, they offer essential functionality and reliability. User feedback and expert reviews affirm that affordable devices like the Sanorum Smartwatch are in demand and provide sufficient health tracking metrics. Other notable mentions in this category include the Fitbit Inspire 3, Xiaomi Smart Band 9, and Amazfit Bip 5. These devices strike an ideal balance, ensuring that consumers can access quality features without excessive spending. By thoroughly evaluating features, battery life, and user satisfaction, consumers can make informed decisions that align with their fitness goals.

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